With age, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. As part of this process tiny blood vessels in skin may be damaged; as blood seeps out, wine coloured blotches form under skin, most commonly on backs of hands, forearms, and lower legs; blotches come and go but never entirely disappear; conditions quite harmless, despite its medical name, senile purpura. Like other forms of Bruising, purpura may be helped by taking extra Vitamin C.
Many old people also develop oddly pigmented patches of skin; these are usually nothing to worry about - they may have something to do with faulty fat metabolism or Vitamin E deficiency - but to be on the safe side, read Warts. Itchy skin is also common in old age; in most cases it is due to dryness and can be relieved by using moisturizers; occasionally, however, it is a sign of Jaundice (yellowish skin and eye whites dark urine, pale stools).
Specific remedies to be given 3 times daily for up to 14 days
- Itchy skin made worse by washing and by bed warmth, diarrhoea in morning Sulphur 6c
- Dirty-looking skin, especially in cold weather Psorinum 6c
- Excessive oily perspiration, made worse by heat and cold Mercurius 6c
- Burning sensation in skin, person chilly, restless, and anxious Arsenicum 6c
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